Patient Story

Breathing Easier, Living Better After Minimally Invasive Sinus Surgery at The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai

Des Stewart struggled with allergies and other sinus problems for most of his life. But his symptoms worsened after the tragic events of 9/11, when Des was working just two blocks away from Ground Zero and breathed in the noxious cloud of debris. As the years went on, he had increased problems breathing, requiring regular trips to the Emergency Room. He eventually relocated to Philadelphia and his primary care doctor told him he needed specialized care and referred him to Madeleine Schaberg, MD, Assistant Professor, Rhinology, Head and Neck Surgery at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai (NYEE).

It was determined that Des was suffering from nasal polyps, one of the most extensive cases that Dr. Schaberg had ever seen. Nasal polyps are growths on the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. They hang down like teardrops or grapes. They result from chronic inflammation due to asthma, recurring infection, allergies, drug sensitivity or certain immune disorders. Small nasal polyps do not usually cause symptoms. Larger growths or groups of nasal polyps can block the nasal passages or lead to breathing problems. Des had so many polyps in his nose, Dr. Schaberg wondered how he was breathing at all.

Luckily, a minimally invasive surgical option to remove the polyps was available at NYEE. A year after his surgery, Des has been living symptom free, enjoying life and regaining his sense of smell and taste, which he did not even realize had been impacted after suffering for so many years with sinus problems.

Watch the video to find out how endoscopic sinus surgery gave Des a new lease on life.